2010-09-18

'70's Clackers to '90's Astrojax

When I was a kid in the '70's, we had Clackers, a toy that was minutes of fun or hours of pain if you weren't very coordinated. Go here for instructions on how to do tricks. People even made their own sets out of colored resin. Based on the Spanish Bola, a weapon made famous by the South American gaucho, Clackers were discontinued when over-exuberant (hyperactive) practitioners clacked them to the point where they shattered. If you'd like to make yourself a relatively safe pair, go here.

The modern version of this toy is the Astrojax, which combines juggling and yo-yo moves. It requires more coordination and skill, but also allows for more creativity and has more entertainment value.